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| Paper: |
The Effects of a Clumpy ISM on Infrared Spectra Energy Distributions: Predictions from 3D Radiation Transfer Models |
| Volume: |
381, The Second Annual Spitzer Science Center Conference: Infrared Diagnostics of Galaxy Evolution |
| Page: |
71 |
| Authors: |
Johnson, K.E.; Whitney, B.; Indebetouw, R.; Wood, K. |
| Abstract: |
We present the infrared spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and colors of embedded star forming regions determined from 3-D radiation transfer models. These models invoke a hierarchical clumpy dust structure that fits observations of the interstellar medium. Clumping of the dust caused a significant spread in the observable colors and magnitudes due to (1) the assumed fraction of clumpy dust and (2) variation with viewing angle. The infrared SED of the same object can vary significantly with each of these, introducing degeneracies in the derived physical parameters. Consequently, the interpretation of near- to mid-infrared observations to infer physical properties should be done with caution. Observations near 25 μm are important for providing diagnostic information while not suffering as much as longer wavelengths from diffractionlimited resolution. These models are relevant for interpreting Spitzer Space Telescope observations, where applying the results of 1-D models, or models with a non-physical dust distribution, could lead to significant misinterpretation of the data. In general, there is not a unique set of parameters that will fit an infrared observation. |
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